YOUR PROPULSION EXPERTS
SCHOTTEL introduces new medium-sized azimuth thrusters: the M-Series consists of several rudder propeller sizes covering the power range from 400 to 1,000 kW. Roland Schwandt, Vice President Sales at SCHOTTEL, describes latest features and advantages.
Shifted engine power classes, updated ice class rules and an increasing number of electrically or hybrid-driven vessels – in order to meet new challenges on the international maritime market, vessels require propulsion systems that are optimally adapted to the changing conditions. SCHOTTEL offers suitable solutions with the M-Series azimuth thrusters, combining latest technologies in mechanical engineering, hydrodynamics and digitalization.
These propulsion systems are available in three sizes: 210 (640 kW), 240 (850 kW) and 270 (1,000 kW), corresponding to common engine power classes. All sizes are equipped with a strong planetary steering gear.
“The M-Series offers versatile solutions for all vessels with azimuth thrusters in the medium power range,” says Roland Schwandt, Vice President Sales. “Accordingly, it is designed for various power source options. It comes either with a horizontal or vertical power input and can be engine or e-motor driven. Furthermore, a version with an additional PTI is available, thereby making it compatible with hybrid options such as SCHOTTEL SYDRIVE.”
Whether it is a ferry or a tugboat, a diesel-driven, full-electric or hybrid vessel, whether bollard pull or free-running efficiency – the M-Series offers the right solution.
Thanks to two installation variants, the M-Series can be incorporated into many different vessel designs. “Besides the standard option with variable propeller arm length, a compact version with shorter propeller arm length is available too. These compact installation variants (LC for L-drives, ZC for Z-drives) increase design freedom and open up new possibilities to use azimuth thrusters in various applications – especially when machinery space is limited,” adds Roland Schwandt. Both the standard variant and the compact one can be bolted, welded or elastically mounted.
Two different propulsion modules ensure that the M-Series can be used in multiple operation profiles. The proven SCHOTTEL Rudderpropeller (SRP) is universally suitable for all standard applications and vessel designs, achieving high bollard pull values and maximum propulsion efficiency for vessels with medium speeds.
The SCHOTTEL EcoPeller (SRE) ensures high propeller performance in overall efficiency and course stability in more demanding applications and running at higher service speeds – such as ferries. The SRE reduces fuel consumption and emissions and thereby leads to lower operating costs.
“The modular setup of the M-Series is the cornerstone of the design and makes it easy to adapt to the needs of different applications. Whether it is a ferry or a tugboat, a diesel-driven, full-electric or hybrid vessel, whether bollard pull or free-running efficiency – the M-Series offers the right solution. This extreme versatility is achieved by a high quantity of similar features throughout the different versions. This greatly reduces the maintenance and service efforts, even when different versions of the M-Series are in use throughout the fleet,” summarizes the Vice President Sales.
The first propulsion units of the new M-Series have recently been put into operation: among others, two new tugs for the US Navy are equipped with M-Series rudder propellers from SCHOTTEL. Furthermore, two vessels of the Norwegian ferry operator Norled feature highly efficient medium-sized EcoPellers.
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